The SICK WL280-2R4331 is a retro-reflective photoelectric sensor from the W280-2R series, delivering a 15 m sensing distance with a visible red LED light source. That 15 m range covers most conveyor and pallet-detection applications in warehousing or packaging lines — a standard retro-reflective reflector at the far end gives you a reliable break-beam trigger. The change-over contact (CO) output means it switches both NO and NC contacts in one package, so you can wire it for fail-safe (NC breaks on beam interruption) without an extra relay. Supply voltage spans 24 to 240 V AC/DC, which lets it drop into existing control circuits without a dedicated DC power supply — common on retrofit jobs where the panel runs 120 VAC control.
Response time and switching logic
At 15 ms response time, this sensor is suited for object detection at moderate line speeds — think cartons on a belt at 1-2 m/s, not high-speed part counting on a pick-and-place. The light/dark ON switching mode (selectable) lets you choose whether the output activates when the beam is made or broken, matching the logic of your PLC input or safety circuit.
Environmental sealing and wiring
Rated IP66 and IP67, the housing and optics withstand hose-down cleaning and temporary submersion — necessary for food-and-beverage washdown zones or outdoor conveyor sections exposed to rain. The 2 m integral cable (PVC, typically) terminates directly into a junction box or sensor connector; no separate pigtail or M12 plug to lose. Dimensions are 23.5 mm wide, 78 mm tall, 63 mm deep — a compact footprint that fits alongside other W280-series sensors on a common bracket.